Independent Hajj Reporters has called on President Bola Tinubu and the Vice, Kashim Shetima to exercise caution and be pragmatic at this very critical stage of the 2025 Hajj operations.
IHR made the call in a commentary which was made public and shared with The Eagleonline, on Tuesday.
The organization’s call is at the instance of the resignation of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Prof Abdullahi Saleh Usman.
IHR said that with major arrangements already concluded, including pilgrims’ registration, logistics planning, and the operational framework, there is a clear need to allow officials who have been directly involved in these processes to continue steering the exercise.
It therefore urged the Federal Government to appoint, in an acting capacity, the most competent individual and relatively free from allegation of corruption from within the existing operational team to lead the Commission for this year’s Hajj.
“Such a decision will guarantee continuity and prevent avoidable disruptions, pending the appointment of a substantive Chairman with proven experience and a credible track record in Hajj administration who can later reconfigure and strengthen the system,” the Civil Society Organization stated.
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IHR disclosed that it also aligned with the government’s decision to accept the resignation of the former Chairman, especially in view of the numerous allegations against him and deep division that existed between his office and members of the NAHCON board.
“The breakdown in working relations made effective collaboration impossible and, if allowed to continue, would have negatively affected Nigerian pilgrims,” the commentary added.
The organization cautioned against appointing an entirely new figure from outside the system at this late stage of preparations. Doing so would amount to starting the operation afresh, which is neither practical nor advisable at a time when pilgrims have completed registration and are awaiting airlift.
It warned that this is not the moment for experimentation, but for stability, continuity, and informed leadership drawn from those already embedded in the current Hajj framework.
IHR restated: “Our position is an extract from experiences in hajj operations, especially the current structural characteristics of Hajj exercise brought about by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“Ultimately, our call is for a transition that places the welfare, comfort, and successful participation of Nigerian pilgrims above all other considerations”.
The Eagleonline had reported the resignation of Prof Usman.
Again, as at the time of filing this report, no official statement either from NAHCON or the government.
